There’s a very expensive treasure in this world: freedom! Collectively, a huge price has been paid for people to be free. Soldiers have died. Risks have been taken. Permanent physical and emotional losses have been borne. Frankly, you and I have a part to play to stay free.
This is Part 3 in a short series – Be Free!
Have you ever seen a little kid who’s just a bit too short on one end? They’re up on tiptoe to see what the “big people” see. Perhaps you’ve been on tiptoe to catch a glance of something. Interestingly, that’s a good way to approach each day – living on tiptoe!
So, I have a suggestion. Start and end every day for the next month, saying – “God is interested in me.” Fully believe it in your heart. Without a doubt, repeating this would impact you. Afterall, messages you allow into your head and heart have power. They launch you. Conversely, they can derail you. So, use the power of messages to build a strong relationship with God. Afterall, God is interested in you.
Let’s explore what this looks like.
Once-in-awhile, a burner on my stovetop “goes nova!” Unexplainably, it just gets super hot. Interestingly, it even glows! Needless to say, that makes it challenging to cook. As I ponder that frustrating phenomenon, I find myself reflecting about when life heats up and “goes nova!”
When life heats up, you must –
Have you ever gone nova?
Be content! What, exactly, does that mean? Realistically, if you were to rate yourself on a scale of 1 – 10 (1 not very content and 10 very content), where would you place yourself? Importantly, why?
Contentment is a critical piece needed to live a healthy life.
I’m sure you’ve listened to the news . . . read the newspapers . . . listened to podcasts. Subsequently, you know the world is really struggling right now. In essence, that’s why we should explore what it looks like to have hope in terrible times.
Happy New Year! May it be a good one for you! Now, to set the tone, here’s a quote from C.S. Lewis – “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” With this insightful observation, let’s explore 10 points to start this year well.
During a season filled with peace and joy, it’s painful to experience grieving at Christmastime. But that’s what many people do. They celebrate. Simultaneously, they grieve.
There are always losses in life. Sometimes, these losses almost consume the space meant to be filled with peace and joy. Strategically, there are ways to keep these spaces free for healthy processes – even at Christmastime.
Many cherished Christmas carols talk about joy. Consider Joy To The World – “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” Or While By My Sheep – “Joy, joy, joy! (echo) joy, joy, joy.” If you are looking for joy at Christmastime, you are joined by millions of people.
Interestingly, Paul starts every single letter he wrote in the New Testament with wishes of grace and JOY to his readers.
So, how’s your joy as Christmas approaches?
Many cherished Christmas carols talk about peace. Consider Silent Night – “sleep in heavenly peace.” Or, Hark The Herald Angels – “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Yes, for centuries people have yearned for peace. Particularly, peace at Christmastime.
Let’s face it. This world really needs peace. Interestingly, peace starts in each individual heart. Equally, lasting peace only comes from the “Prince of Peace” – Jesus Christ.
So, peace at Christmastime . . .
